Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and fully operationalising the Nigerian Council for Social Work as stakeholders across government institutions, development partners, professional associations, academic institutions, and civil society organisations convened for a high-level Strategic Dialogue and National Social Service Workforce Coordination meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, focused on advancing the institutionalisation and professional regulation of social work practice in the country.
Speaking during the engagement, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, described the gathering as a defining moment for the future of social work in Nigeria, stressing the need for unity, collaboration, and professionalism among stakeholders.
According to the Minister, the operationalisation of the Nigerian Council for Social Work has become imperative in view of the growing social challenges confronting vulnerable populations across the country.
“The institutionalization of social work in Nigeria demands collective commitment and cooperation. A divided profession cannot effectively regulate itself or adequately serve the people who depend on it,” she stated.
She noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development remains the coordinating institution for social development in Nigeria and is committed to ensuring that social work practice is built on professionalism, legitimacy, accountability, and trust.
The Minister further explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places social development at the centre of national transformation, adding that 2026 has been designated as a year for delivering tangible results to Nigerians.
She urged stakeholders to put aside differences and work together toward building a unified social work system capable of addressing issues affecting children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
“History will remember whether we had the courage to strengthen social work practice in Nigeria for the benefit of those who rely on our services”, she added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Child Protection Manager of UNICEF Nigeria, Mona Aika, commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for driving the operationalisation process of the Council.
She described the initiative as a critical step toward building a strong, accountable, and professional social service workforce capable of responding effectively to the needs of vulnerable persons, especially children.
According to her, delays in implementing the Social Work Act passed in 2022 have continued to create gaps in regulation, standards, and service delivery within the sector.
“Addressing these gaps is essential to strengthening child protection systems and improving outcomes for children and families across Nigeria”, she said.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, represented by Director of Gender Affairs, Adamu Ismaila, said the engagement would help foster collaboration and alignment toward establishing a sustainable and efficient Nigerian Council for Social Work.
She emphasized that the Council would serve as a framework for professional regulation, ethical compliance, standard setting, and capacity development within the social work sector.
The two-day strategic dialogue is expected to produce key resolutions and actionable recommendations aimed at accelerating the operationalisation of the Nigerian Council for Social Work and strengthening protection and welfare systems for vulnerable populations across the country.
In his presentation, Deputy Director, Gender Affairs Department and Nigerian Council for Social Work Focal Person, Okesa Benjamin Obiajulu, highlighted the efforts of the Ministry and stakeholders in achieving the legal framework for the professionalisation of social work practice in Nigeria.